Thursday, May 8, 2008
panama ¿¿¿ wednesday
Its been one day in Bocas del Toro, Panama and I have sweated more than my entire life in Iowa humid summers. Its not the heat, its the humidity, true true. Getting here was a whole day from San Jose, leaving at 6 am on a bus and then arriving at the border 5 hours later. We drove through a magnificent rain forest. I wish we could upload pictures, but I misplaced the cord and none of the two internet cafes had a standard cord. The drive was amazing, the ride, i mean, we didn´t have to drive, whihc was really relaxng for both of us. We drove through pineapple and plaintain and banana fields, both corporate and privately owned. We drove by the big processng plants for Dole and Chaquita juices. At the border we walked up the hill to a border and were greeted by the famous wooden bridge we´d be walking acrosss... and apparently along with semi trucks! fun! Entrance to Panama took about an hour waiting n line, getting a stampa nd paying $5 entry. We ended up taking a private taxi because the collectivo was crowded and the private was only $5 more. Good move because our driver was awesome and called ahead to reserve us a seat on teh 2 pm boat to Bocas. Who knew it was that crowded. But it was there was practically a fight when we got there as one guy who didn´t even write his nam,e on the list wanted to get hte boat. The locationwas Chinganola... and the ride wass 40 minutes of incredible beauty, two sides of land of both sides down the river which local natives living there for generations. The boat guide slowed down at times to allow for photos. Ther were also signs showing lots for sale. The whole country is for sale as we kind of knew it would be based on the last 10 years of push from the panamanian governement for foreigners to invest in teh country... The waves greeted us as we hit the ocean and then landed on the dock at Bocas town. We walked over to a hotel that
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
pictures to be posted tomorrow
many of you have been asking so yes, we plan on posting pictures tomorrow. The transportation has taken up a lot more of our time than before (the journey IZZ the experience!) so we dont have as much time. Plus its a lot hotter so I find myself sitting in my air conditioned hotel room when I get a second. lame a blogger...
Anyway... from where Cathleen left at a Nosara... that was an awesome party and a beautiful wedding and we met a lot of great people! Nosara is a surfer expat and locals only kind of community. Feelin' irie, feeling like surfing, yes i am. Those waves for me (Rhonda) were a little big though, maybe it was the high tide but there were some tough looking high waves out there ridden well by some locals we met at our hotel, Casa Tucan, a great spot. our room was $65 looking out at the pool. Great bar and restaurant area.
Tuesday AM 5 AM to be exact, we got up to leave by 6 am and get on teh road to Monteverde, a 5 hour ride we estimated. We almost ran out of gas, the road signs are never enough in this beautiful country and so we underestimated how far to the next gas station. This country has maps that the rental companies give you that show you which towns have gas stations. Kind of spread out. On fumes, we rode into the end of Nicoya... happily to pay 80 dollars to fill up this SUV. Monster truck. But hey, we were happy in a about 2 hours when we were heading up the hill from the pan america highway up through Lagoste (sp?) on a dirt/boulder road. My 4wd skills were put the test (but for those in teh know, this was NOT as bad as the last 2 miles to Fuente!)... we asked a man on a horse for directions, a man in a soda (lunch counter) and a man and lady in a car... we bought avocados from teh man on the horse, still ripening as we speak! At one point, we were on the ridge of the mountaina nd looked down on both sides. Amazing. Cathleen thought we were going to fall off a few times. But not to many people were comgin down this road at 9 AM so we were lucky. At the town of Santa Elena, we drove into town and partked and walked over to the tourist office, and decided to purchase zip line tickets to Salvatore, the zip line through the forest, not just above it. Our friends Eva and Kevin had told us to check this area out and we did, took teh shuttle up to the zip line past some amazing views. You can kind of even see the Arenal volcano on a clear day. It was that clear for us yet. More on zip lines in the next post..... rhonda
Anyway... from where Cathleen left at a Nosara... that was an awesome party and a beautiful wedding and we met a lot of great people! Nosara is a surfer expat and locals only kind of community. Feelin' irie, feeling like surfing, yes i am. Those waves for me (Rhonda) were a little big though, maybe it was the high tide but there were some tough looking high waves out there ridden well by some locals we met at our hotel, Casa Tucan, a great spot. our room was $65 looking out at the pool. Great bar and restaurant area.
Tuesday AM 5 AM to be exact, we got up to leave by 6 am and get on teh road to Monteverde, a 5 hour ride we estimated. We almost ran out of gas, the road signs are never enough in this beautiful country and so we underestimated how far to the next gas station. This country has maps that the rental companies give you that show you which towns have gas stations. Kind of spread out. On fumes, we rode into the end of Nicoya... happily to pay 80 dollars to fill up this SUV. Monster truck. But hey, we were happy in a about 2 hours when we were heading up the hill from the pan america highway up through Lagoste (sp?) on a dirt/boulder road. My 4wd skills were put the test (but for those in teh know, this was NOT as bad as the last 2 miles to Fuente!)... we asked a man on a horse for directions, a man in a soda (lunch counter) and a man and lady in a car... we bought avocados from teh man on the horse, still ripening as we speak! At one point, we were on the ridge of the mountaina nd looked down on both sides. Amazing. Cathleen thought we were going to fall off a few times. But not to many people were comgin down this road at 9 AM so we were lucky. At the town of Santa Elena, we drove into town and partked and walked over to the tourist office, and decided to purchase zip line tickets to Salvatore, the zip line through the forest, not just above it. Our friends Eva and Kevin had told us to check this area out and we did, took teh shuttle up to the zip line past some amazing views. You can kind of even see the Arenal volcano on a clear day. It was that clear for us yet. More on zip lines in the next post..... rhonda
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Jonny and Colleen´s Wedding MONDAY
WRITTEN ON THURS...my apologies if¨I´m repeating myself. It´s about 90 degrees and 98% humidity so I can´t even think straight... CATHLEEN
Okay... breakfast at this French Cafe in Nosara, then the beach where the tide was high (and I´m holdin´on... ha ha) so there was really no beach. Just water and then jungle. The water on what was otherwise the beach was shallow however, and lapped gently at our toes. The waves just a bit further out were outrageous and dangerous, so we didn´t go in too far. On the beach, we also saw some of the most beautiful crabs -- red, blue and purple. We tried to coax them out with a stick and they sure got angry. Here are these little crabs, holding up their claws and snapping wildly... bring it ON!
After this trip to the beach, we had lunch and then went to take showers and get gussied up for the wedding. We had to meet everyone at the lobby bar in the Harmony Hotel at 4 p.m. So, we went over there and had one of the special wedding cocktails, which was basically rum with pineapple and watermellon juices, and something else that was either mango or orange juice. The drinks were served with bamboo straws, which I thought were so cool that I kept them. Neither one of us felt like drinking enough drinks to have enough for a party, but we do have two to show people.
After a few moments, someone shrieked excitedly and said there was a monkey outside. We all ran out and found that it was actually an entire family of Howler monkeys, and one even had a little baby dangling from her belly. SO adorable! Most people hadn´t seen a monkey until then so no one minded these wedding crashers.
After a bit, we were all ushered to the beach, where the wedding was to take place. The tide had receded and everything was perfect. The sun was just starting it´s descent into the water, the breeze was gentle and the waves were providing the wedding march music. Jon looked fabulous in his yellow ruffled shirt and white linen suit. The best man wore seersucker and the maids of honor wore lovely dresses in various colors. Then the bride strode out -- she was gorgeous in her gown and this fantastic necklace and bracelet ensemble. I was astounded that such a beautiful dress made it all the way from New York to a beach in Costa Rica and still looked amazing.
The ceremony was touching and lovely, Sean Ferguson played a Beach Boys song and sang, along with Anthony doing harmony and dell playing sticks for rhythm. It was perfect... it made everyone laugh and helped the bride and groom relax into their vows. I tried not to cry when they read their vows because the love on both of their faces was so apparent. These are two people who have found each other and have realized how lucky they are for it.
When the wedding was over, it was nearly completely dark, so we picked our way back up the jungle path to the hotel and had dinner. After, we moved to an outdoor area for cake and dancing. Alas, we had to leave a bit early since we had to get some rest so we could get up at 5 a.m. to head out to Monteverde.
I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends, who have equally wonderful friends, with whom I could have such an amazing time. Jonny and Colleen -- thank you and best wishes always. You are both such beautiful people and I love you!
Okay... breakfast at this French Cafe in Nosara, then the beach where the tide was high (and I´m holdin´on... ha ha) so there was really no beach. Just water and then jungle. The water on what was otherwise the beach was shallow however, and lapped gently at our toes. The waves just a bit further out were outrageous and dangerous, so we didn´t go in too far. On the beach, we also saw some of the most beautiful crabs -- red, blue and purple. We tried to coax them out with a stick and they sure got angry. Here are these little crabs, holding up their claws and snapping wildly... bring it ON!
After this trip to the beach, we had lunch and then went to take showers and get gussied up for the wedding. We had to meet everyone at the lobby bar in the Harmony Hotel at 4 p.m. So, we went over there and had one of the special wedding cocktails, which was basically rum with pineapple and watermellon juices, and something else that was either mango or orange juice. The drinks were served with bamboo straws, which I thought were so cool that I kept them. Neither one of us felt like drinking enough drinks to have enough for a party, but we do have two to show people.
After a few moments, someone shrieked excitedly and said there was a monkey outside. We all ran out and found that it was actually an entire family of Howler monkeys, and one even had a little baby dangling from her belly. SO adorable! Most people hadn´t seen a monkey until then so no one minded these wedding crashers.
After a bit, we were all ushered to the beach, where the wedding was to take place. The tide had receded and everything was perfect. The sun was just starting it´s descent into the water, the breeze was gentle and the waves were providing the wedding march music. Jon looked fabulous in his yellow ruffled shirt and white linen suit. The best man wore seersucker and the maids of honor wore lovely dresses in various colors. Then the bride strode out -- she was gorgeous in her gown and this fantastic necklace and bracelet ensemble. I was astounded that such a beautiful dress made it all the way from New York to a beach in Costa Rica and still looked amazing.
The ceremony was touching and lovely, Sean Ferguson played a Beach Boys song and sang, along with Anthony doing harmony and dell playing sticks for rhythm. It was perfect... it made everyone laugh and helped the bride and groom relax into their vows. I tried not to cry when they read their vows because the love on both of their faces was so apparent. These are two people who have found each other and have realized how lucky they are for it.
When the wedding was over, it was nearly completely dark, so we picked our way back up the jungle path to the hotel and had dinner. After, we moved to an outdoor area for cake and dancing. Alas, we had to leave a bit early since we had to get some rest so we could get up at 5 a.m. to head out to Monteverde.
I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends, who have equally wonderful friends, with whom I could have such an amazing time. Jonny and Colleen -- thank you and best wishes always. You are both such beautiful people and I love you!
past two days.
a blur of driving, beauty, smiles and laughs.\ now we are in the National rent a car, returning it and waiting for a cab into San \jose to our hotel so we can catch a 6 AM bus to \panama. Sorry fot th \ sign, its in the shift place on the keyboard here and i'm trying to type as fast a possible.
\jonny and colleen's party.
So, this is Cathleen and I can't remember what's been blogged and what hasn't... sooo....let me just insert a bit about the "rehearsal" party on Sunday night. What a blast!
The Langstons' friends had rented an AMAZING house in Nosara with a great outdoor area and a pool. Since Jon and Colleen didn't have much to rehearse, it was just a party, really. Everyone who was in town for the wedding came and got drunk. There were people from New York and California, of course, and then there were some from Arizona, Michigan and Chicago -- did I get it all? I think so? I saw Michael and Kenny, whom I haven't seen since college, and met their delightful singnificant others. And I finally got to meet Sean Ferguson's fiance' and I'm not even going to attempt to spell her name so I'll just say it's the Gaelic version of Catrina. I was also so happy to meet so many other wonderful people. Jon and Colleen truly surround themselves with the greatest personalities!
So... there was drinkin' and eatin' and more drinkin' -- then people started gettin' in the pool. And Colleen lined up tequila shots. And then everyone ran around in a big circle to create a whirlpool -- which is GREAT when done properly. And then Colleen lined up tequila shots... At this point I decided I had to sober up so I could find my way back home on these dirt roads in the jungle that had no signs. But, I was tipsy enough to last me a while, trust me. Everyone got along like we'd been friends forever and it was just really great.
We finally left to head back to our home in Nosara, Casa Toucan. Well... I knew I'd have a hard time with the jungle roads and I did go down the wrong ones a couple of times -- but I had marked some landmarks so I knew when I had to go back and try again. We did finally make it back, obviously.
The following day we slept in and then had breakfast at the Cafe de Paris -- ha ha -- where the croissonts were really good, actually, and we saw the coolest bird who was totally fealess and an iguana, too.
More on this day later... the taxi should almost be here and I'm so ready to sleep after that stressful drive down from Monteverde -- more on that in a future post, too...
\jonny and colleen's party.
So, this is Cathleen and I can't remember what's been blogged and what hasn't... sooo....let me just insert a bit about the "rehearsal" party on Sunday night. What a blast!
The Langstons' friends had rented an AMAZING house in Nosara with a great outdoor area and a pool. Since Jon and Colleen didn't have much to rehearse, it was just a party, really. Everyone who was in town for the wedding came and got drunk. There were people from New York and California, of course, and then there were some from Arizona, Michigan and Chicago -- did I get it all? I think so? I saw Michael and Kenny, whom I haven't seen since college, and met their delightful singnificant others. And I finally got to meet Sean Ferguson's fiance' and I'm not even going to attempt to spell her name so I'll just say it's the Gaelic version of Catrina. I was also so happy to meet so many other wonderful people. Jon and Colleen truly surround themselves with the greatest personalities!
So... there was drinkin' and eatin' and more drinkin' -- then people started gettin' in the pool. And Colleen lined up tequila shots. And then everyone ran around in a big circle to create a whirlpool -- which is GREAT when done properly. And then Colleen lined up tequila shots... At this point I decided I had to sober up so I could find my way back home on these dirt roads in the jungle that had no signs. But, I was tipsy enough to last me a while, trust me. Everyone got along like we'd been friends forever and it was just really great.
We finally left to head back to our home in Nosara, Casa Toucan. Well... I knew I'd have a hard time with the jungle roads and I did go down the wrong ones a couple of times -- but I had marked some landmarks so I knew when I had to go back and try again. We did finally make it back, obviously.
The following day we slept in and then had breakfast at the Cafe de Paris -- ha ha -- where the croissonts were really good, actually, and we saw the coolest bird who was totally fealess and an iguana, too.
More on this day later... the taxi should almost be here and I'm so ready to sleep after that stressful drive down from Monteverde -- more on that in a future post, too...
Monday, May 5, 2008
land and drive and hike and drive and party
landed in San Jose Sat 9 Am and rented a car from national with no problem. no extra charges so far. Drove 3 hours to la Fortuna and the Volcano . Stayed at beautiful Silencio del Campo with hot springs on site. They just built this area in the back, it was amazing. Went to dinner at another hot springs nearby that was hidden from the road. locals only yo. Amazing jungle experience eating with howler monkeys and frog sounds all around. Back on the road in teh Am to waterfall hike. and then on the road for 6 hours to \nosara beach. \met with friends and john and colleen's party at a house, no, at compound casita. recovering today and will be at beach more tomorrow.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Antigua... Friday
Since this was the second time around in Antigua, we took it easy on the Catholic ruins and instead focused on what Americans do best -- buy stuff.
But breakfast first -- we walked by a place and heard "Hey," and it was this couple from Kentucky we had met on the shuttle from Panajochel. We exchanged contact info then continued to the Rainbow for breakfast. With a name like Rainbow, you know it's either gonna be gay or hippie, or both. Either way, the breakfast was yummy and healthy -- based on the bicycle-powered blender and the granola on the menu, I'm guessing the leanings were toward "hippie."
We went to the flea market where Rhonda bought some awesome Harlequin pants and a white shirt and Cathleen bought a lovely scarf. We also bought some souveniers and got most of the items for half of the original asking price (see top tips to be posted soon). Rhonda really enjoys haggling -- you should see the sparkle in her eye as she drives a hard bargain.
We then walked to the local market, which was full of mostly locals and maybe 2 to 4 tourists. We got a chance to see what kind of deals we'd be getting on things from beans and rice to plasticware and "Diesel" jeans if we lived here. Yes, we're getting ideas.
We then had lunch at "Orale," a taco place. The food was good and cheap!
This is going to be continued also as we have to get to bed -- we are leaving at 4 a.m. for the Airport and our next destination -- Mexico City!
And, yes, we are enamored by Antigua. Anyone want to come back with us some time?
But breakfast first -- we walked by a place and heard "Hey," and it was this couple from Kentucky we had met on the shuttle from Panajochel. We exchanged contact info then continued to the Rainbow for breakfast. With a name like Rainbow, you know it's either gonna be gay or hippie, or both. Either way, the breakfast was yummy and healthy -- based on the bicycle-powered blender and the granola on the menu, I'm guessing the leanings were toward "hippie."
We went to the flea market where Rhonda bought some awesome Harlequin pants and a white shirt and Cathleen bought a lovely scarf. We also bought some souveniers and got most of the items for half of the original asking price (see top tips to be posted soon). Rhonda really enjoys haggling -- you should see the sparkle in her eye as she drives a hard bargain.
We then walked to the local market, which was full of mostly locals and maybe 2 to 4 tourists. We got a chance to see what kind of deals we'd be getting on things from beans and rice to plasticware and "Diesel" jeans if we lived here. Yes, we're getting ideas.
We then had lunch at "Orale," a taco place. The food was good and cheap!
This is going to be continued also as we have to get to bed -- we are leaving at 4 a.m. for the Airport and our next destination -- Mexico City!
And, yes, we are enamored by Antigua. Anyone want to come back with us some time?
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